Transitional Bilingual Learning Community (TBLC)

Helen Valdez, Program Director

Carlos Martin, Program Coordinator

The TBLC program is a two-semester, full-time college credit program offered to Latino students who, because of limited skills in English and limited financial resources, would otherwise not be attending college on a full-time basis.

Full Description

The Transitional Bilingual Learning Community (TBLC) program is designed to prepare Latino English language learners (ELL) for college-level courses taught in English within a period of two semesters. The Transitional Bilingual Learning Community (TBLC) program recruits from two sources:

Recent high school graduates primarily from the Chicago Public Schools bilingual programs

Students currently at Truman completing GED requirements or non-credit bearing ESL courses

The TBLC retains an impressive 88% of program participants.

Goals of the TBLC Program

Increase the enrollment of Latino English learners in Truman College’s credit program

Build and strengthen the English language skills and knowledge of TBLC participants

Create opportunities for TBLC students to learn the culture of higher education while supporting their bilingual identities and experiences

Support and facilitate successfuly transfer to a four-year college and ultimate completion of a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree

Identify and coordinate existing potential resources and support services to further develop Truman College’s TBLC Program

TBLC Program Services

2-week Orientation to college (prior to first semester)

Tutoring

Interdisciplinary teaching model

Academic advisement

Career planning and development

Transfer information and assistance

Financial aid advisement

Club activities

Service Learning

Parent seminars

University and museum field trips

TBLC Student Scholarship Fund Committee

Other scholarship opportunities

History

The TBLC Program began in Spring 2002 when a small group of faculty and administrators developed additional support systems to promote success among Latino high school graduates and GED completers transitioning to Truman College. The program focused on the concept of creating “learning communities” to improve student outcomes. Latino populations have grown:

Latino Americans represent 26% of Chicago's total population

Latino students represent 41% of total Chicago Public Schools enrollment

Latino students represent 38% of total City Colleges of Chicago enrollment

The TBLC Program at Truman College represents a model of excellence for the successful enrollment, retention, completion, and graduation of Latino college students.

Scholarships

Students that apply and are accepted into the TBLC Program are eligible for two scholarships, both of which are designed to help academically talented Latino immigrant students realize their dream of a college education.

City Colleges of Chicago does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age or disability in all educational
and vocational programs, services, activities, and employment. EEO Office